200,000 km² across India and Pakistan · most densely populated desert in the world · temperatures reaching 53°C.
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200,000km²
Area
53°C
Max summer temperature
100–240mm
Annual rainfall
Key facts — from Seaford 2025–27 case study notes
Background
One of the world's major hot deserts, covering 200,000 km² across India and Pakistan
The most densely populated desert globally
Extreme climate: annual rainfall only 100–240 mm · summer temperatures reaching 53°C in July
Despite harsh conditions, supports significant population due to historical settlement and water management
Opportunities for development
Tourism: Stunning desert landscapes attract visitors for desert safaris, camel treks, ecotourism and the annual Rajasthan Desert Festival
Mineral extraction: Gypsum, feldspar, phospherite and kaolin deposits
Energy: High solar irradiance ideal for solar power development
Farming: Indira Gandhi Canal brings water enabling irrigation agriculture
Challenges of development
Extreme temperatures: 53°C in summer makes outdoor work dangerous · limits activity · health risks
Water supply: Only 100–240mm rainfall annually · groundwater depletion from over-extraction · water management critical
Inaccessibility: Remote desert terrain makes infrastructure expensive to build and maintain · limits economic development
Desertification risk: Overgrazing and over-farming at the desert margins degrades land
Exam questions — 3 questions · 11 marks
⚡ Geography exam tip: Always use named examples with specific data. "An earthquake in Nepal" scores fewer marks than "The 2015 Nepal earthquake (magnitude 7.9, 9,000 deaths)." Learn the statistics on this page.
1 markPopulation
What is unusual about the Thar Desert's population?
A It has the lowest population density of any desert
B It is completely uninhabited due to extreme temperatures
C It is the most densely populated desert in the world
D Its population is declining due to desertification
4 marksOpportunities and challenges
Explain the opportunities and challenges for development in the Thar Desert. (4 marks)
Hint: Cover at least 2 opportunities AND 2 challenges. Be specific about types of development and types of challenge.